BLACKSTONE VALLEY, Mass. – Thousands of bargain hunters queued outside their favorite stores at the Shoppes of the Blackstone Valley in Millbury and Walmart in Whitinsville, some of them for hours on Thursday, waiting for the start of Black Friday shopping.

Joe ‘Incognito’ of Northbridge (his name withheld to protect the Christmas surprises he plans for his family), was first in line when WalMart opened its doors at 1 Friday morning.

He’d been there since a little before 3 Thanksgiving afternoon. Bundled in layers, hands in pockets and ...Read More